During my day filled with ground squirrel whacking, I took a break and pulled out my chronograph and tested some single loads with H4350 and 100 grain Nosler E-tips in my wife's 257 Roberts.
I had loaded single loads from 43.0 grains up thru 46.0 grains in .5 grain increments, hoping to find a safe to shoot load up around 3000 fps. I was a bit surprised to see the velocities I got from a 22 inch barrel. 2.850 COAL, .145 off the lands, Win +P case and WLR primer.
43.0 = 2993 fps
43.5 = 3032 fps
I stopped here and decided not to shoot the rest of the loads, especially going as high as 46.0, which I believe would have been over pressure.
All I want for this rifle it to accurately shoot ~ 3000 fps. This is plenty fast for this cartridge and will not have excessive muzzle blast or recoil for my wife's shooting ability.
It seems the E-tips are indeed a bit sticky.
Next is to shoot some groups with 43.0 and 43.5 and see how she shoots.
